By Denise Michele Hicks, EdS PMP
On February 25, 2025, I had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with the amazing Dr. Donna Ford during our monthly SENGinar session. Dr. Ford, a renowned educator and researcher in the field of gifted education, is a leader in integrating social and emotional learning through a cultural lens, trauma-informed care, and cultural responsiveness. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for all students—particularly underserved and underrepresented ones—continues to inspire me daily. Despite facing adversity, she never stops fighting for what is right. Her advocacy continues to encourage me to be courageous, to rise above challenges, and to continue to fight for access to gifted education services for all who need it.
As we celebrate Women’s Month here at SENG, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ford and to all women in gifted education who have dedicated their lives to empowering, educating, and inspiring future generations. The transformative work being done in our field not only elevates the individuals we serve but also shapes a brighter future for all of us. Your efforts to uplift gifted learners, especially those of us from historically marginalized backgrounds, are making a lasting impact. I appreciate you more than words can express.
During our enriching SENGinar session, Dr. Ford shared a wealth of resources that continue to serve as a beacon of knowledge for families, educators, and policymakers alike. The recording of her session will be made available through SENG’s MembersClicks system, and includes powerful strategies and frameworks. While there is no single approach to gifted education, I hope the resources included will help to empower us all. Our gifted students come from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and emotional backgrounds, and it’s essential to meet them where they are, drawing from their unique strengths, challenges, and lived experiences. With that in mind, for those seeking to expand their culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equitable gifted education practices, here are some valuable resources I encourage you to explore:
Multicultural Gifted Education by Dr. Donna Ford
Bright, Talented & Black: A Guide for Families of Black Gifted Learners by Dr. Joy Davis
Equity and Excellence for All: Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted Learners by Dr. Sheila Gallagher
Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education by Dr. Sonia Nieto
Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Dr. Zaretta Hammond
Emotions, Learning, and the Brain: Exploring the Educational Implications of Affective Neuroscience by Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
Healing the Hidden Wounds: A Guide to Educators and Parents for Understanding Trauma in Black Children by Dr. Kisha Daniel
These resources are critical tools for transformation. They remind us that education is not only about delivering content; it’s about creating spaces where gifted individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their academic and emotional journeys. In the words of Dr. Ford, “We must be advocates for those who have been traditionally left out of the conversation”.
To Dr. Ford and all the women in gifted education, thank you once again for your courage, your strength, and your relentless dedication to making a difference in the lives of the gifted. Your work continues to break down barriers, open doors, and create pathways for success that will last for generations. I am honored to be on this SENG journey with you. Let’s keep moving forward together!
Denise Michele Hicks
SENG President
Champion Areas: Global Awareness & Access for All
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Denise Michele Hicks is originally from a Blue Star Military Family of Chicago, Illinois. She is the former President of the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented. While in Chicago Public Schools, she participated in gifted programming and STEM enrichment services. She is an alumna from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and Northwestern University, working to continue her family legacy of service in public science, public education, and public health. As President of SENG's Board of Directors and member of The Arizona Gifted Collaborative, she will continue to work with our SENG Scholars and NAGC's Special Programs, which will include STEM, Javits-Frasier Scholars, and the Dr. Martin Jenkins Scholars. She has completed her advanced certifications in Gifted and Talented Education at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Currently, while working on her doctoral studies in STEM Ed Leadership, she serves at Arizona State University in the Center for Bio-mediated, Bio-inspired Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, ASU ACCESS Educational Program Initiatives, and US Military Academies Advising Team for Arizona’s Congressional 3rd District.